Men Make A Difference Day is October 11, 2010

Hello Engaged Parents and Dedicated Educators,

Do not forget Monday, October 11, 2010 is Men Make A Difference Day (MMDD). MMDD has gone National, several organizations in Chicago, Kentucky, Missouri and other state community based organizations have taken up the cause to get more men actively involved in the academic lives of their children..

Please encourage fathers, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, sons and significant male role models to participate in the 2010 Men Make A Difference Day on 10.11. 10. Visit our website at www.menmakeadifferenceday.com and find out more about this year's Men Make A Difference Day. Please ask the men to take our Dad's Pledge of Engagement.

P.S.
Coming soon the Male Summit. This event will bring men from Baltimore, Washington, DC, Virginia and Prince George's County together to discuss the importance of their engagement in the academic lives of children. Stay tune for more information.

The seven finalists for 2010-2011 Maryland Teacher of the Year have been named.

"This year's talented finalists demonstrate unwavering dedication to teaching and academic achievement of all Maryland's students. They are masters in their field and an important reason Maryland education has been ranked number one in the nation for the second consecutive year," said Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. "These educators, unequivocally, deserve our gratefulness and acknowledgement, as well as our respect.

"The finalists (in alphabetical order by jurisdiction) include: Doris L. O'Donnell, Calvert County; Mark S. Howell, Charles County; Michelle Shearer, Frederick County; Lisa Mullen, Harford County; Matthew Kinloch, Howard County; James Schafer, Montgomery County; and Tiffany Doster, Prince George's County.The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, teacher unions, parents and higher education. Finalists were measured against a rigorous set of national criteria that include teaching philosophy, community involvement, knowledge of general education issues, and suggestions for professional and instructional improvement. Oral interviews with the seven finalists will be conducted on Saturday, September 11th.The 2010-2011 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin's West on October 8th. The winner will receive cash awards, technology equipment, national travel opportunities, and a new car valued at over $25,000, donated by Maryland Automobile Dealers Association.